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Preventing suicide - what can you do?

Preventing suicide - what can you do?

A new information pack is now available to help anyone who is concerned about a friend or family member who is distressed or suicidal.

The information and support pack has been developed by the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research.

Council Chair Professor Sven Silburn said the pack was developed after research showed that many people found it hard to access good quality information on how to recognise suicidal behaviour and what to do to support someone in distress.

"It's important that we take seriously any expressions of suicide and not assume the situation will cure itself," Professor Silburn said,

"Suicide is a complex issue and there are rarely quick fixes. The information pack gives lots of practical advice about different types of situations and importantly, contact numbers for extra support."

Professor Silburn said a consultative group of bereaved parents and friends helped in the development of the pack to ensure it addressed the key questions and issues that they faced.

"Sadly for every suicide another ten people are significantly affected by the loss," he said.

"While not every suicide can be prevented, our research has shown that men in particular are more likely to initially accept help from mates and family, rather than professional supports.

"Building up trust and communication in this situation is very challenging and the information pack gives some good strategies to assist someone to seek help."

The Office for Youth together with the Friends of the Institute for Child Health Research (Margaret River branch) helped fund the publication.